Text type/ genre:

Discursive essay

What are the

advantages and
disadvantages of
growing old?
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of growing old?
Fatal Mistake
 Answering the question in the wrong genre

 This is an immediate failure as student

will fail to meet the requirements of the
question.
IMPORTANT: Please read the question very
carefully!
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of growing old?
Common Mistakes
 Essay is NOT BALANCED

 Some students either discussed the

advantages OR disadvantages of growing old
 Some students were either more inclined
towards the advantages or disadvantages
IMPORTANT: Students need to maintain a
balanced view in a discursive essay!
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of growing old?
Common Mistakes
 Lack of elaboration

 Cited: One of the disadvantages of growing old is

that a person’s health may deteriorate.
 You need to elaborate on this point i.e. an old
person is weaker and is more prone to illnesses.
This is also the time when old-age diseases such as
Alzheimer's disease and arthritis sets in. An elderly
may also need to grapple with concomitant
problems such as the high medical cost.
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of growing old?
Common Mistakes
 Use of generalisations

 When we grow older, we will suffer from

many illnesses.
 Please avoid words like ‘will’ and ‘definitely’
and use words like ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘probably’
and ‘more likely’
Possible Structure /
Organisation
First paragraph (Introduction):
 Briefly discuss how growing old is inevitable
for everyone
 Give a preview of the advantages and
disadvantages of growing old
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Second paragraph (advantage):
 Topic sentence to pre-empt the marker what you are going to
discuss in this paragraph
 Elaboration to substantiate your point

Example:
Topic sentence: We gain knowledge and experience as we
grow older.
 As we grow older, we learn more life experiences and learn how
to deal with difficult situations.
 We also develop some skills which are important in everyone’s
life, for example patience, how to deal with stress, tolerance and
courage.
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Third paragraph (advantage):
 Topic sentence to pre-empt the marker what you are going to
discuss in this paragraph
 Elaboration to substantiate your point
Example:
Topic sentence: We have more freedom to make choices
in our lives.
 Adults are empowered to make their own decisions in
areas like career, marriage and the lifestyle they want to
lead in life.
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Fourth paragraph (Disadvantage):
 Topic sentence to pre-empt the marker what you are going
to discuss in this paragraph
 Elaboration to substantiate your point

Example:
Topic sentence: The expectation that others have towards
you increases with your age.
 You are expected to perform in your job and produce results

 You are expected to contribute to the household expenses or

take on the role of breadwinner of the family.
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Fifth paragraph (Disadvantage):
 Topic sentence to pre-empt the marker what you are going to
discuss in this paragraph
 Elaboration to substantiate your point

Example:
Topic sentence: A person’s health deteriorate when he or she
ages.
 An old person is weaker and is more prone to illnesses. This is
also the time when old-age diseases such as Alzheimer's
disease and arthritis sets in. An elderly may also need to grapple
with concomitant problems such as the high medical cost.
Possible Structure /
Organisation
 Sixth paragraph (Conclusion):
 Summarise the advantages and disadvantages
 State your own opinion regarding this issue

Example:
 While growing old does bring about some
disadvantages and inconvenience to a person’s life,
there are also undeniable merits. Ultimately,
everyone will grow old so the most important thing is
to have the correct mindset to enjoy the experiences
and face the challenges that come with age.